Anaphylaxis

Question 1

What is anaphylaxis?

Answer 1

Severe and life-threatening allergic reaction with multisystem involvement.

Question 2

What type of hypersensitivity reaction is anaphylaxis?

Answer 2

IgE-mediated type 1 hypersensitivity reaction

Question 3

What are the triggers of anaphylaxis?

Answer 3

Commonly food (nuts), drugs (penicillin, NSAIDs, aspirin), insect stings or bites.

Question 4

What is this a presentation of?
Swelling of tongue and throat, agitation, shortness of breath, wheeze, stridor, cramping abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, palpitations, tachycardia, hypotension, collapse, can be biphasic.

Answer 4

Anaphylaxis

Question 5

How is anaphylaxis diagnosed?

Answer 5

Clinically, if uncertain then measure serum tryptase afterwards.

Question 6

What is the immediate management of anaphylaxis?

Answer 6

1. High flow oxygen
2. IM adrenaline, IV hydrocortisone, IV chlorphenamine
3. Salbutamol if wheeze
4. Adrenaline can be repeated after 5 minutes

Question 7

What are the doses for adrenaline, hydrocortisone, and chlorphenamine in children aged under 6 months?

Answer 7

A - 150mcg
H - 25mg
C - 250mcg

Question 8

What are the doses for adrenaline, hydrocortisone, and chlorphenamine in children aged 6 months to 6 years?

Answer 8

A - 150mcg
H - 50mg
C - 2.5mg

Question 9

What are the doses for adrenaline, hydrocortisone, and chlorphenamine in children aged 6 to 12 years?

Answer 9

A - 300mcg
H - 100mg
C - 5mg

Question 10

What are the doses for adrenaline, hydrocortisone, and chlorphenamine in children aged over 12 years?

Answer 10

A - 500mcg
H - 200mg
C - 10mg
(same as adult)